Blue Capiz Angel Tree Topper

Dyed capiz shell is the lovely translucent stained glass shaping this angel. Handcrafted by Filipino artisans. Capiz is the thin shell of a marine mollusk. First artisans wash and soak shells. After the shells have dried, they are cut into shapes and edged with metal wire. A finishing coat of varnish completes this labor-intensive process. Before glass windows became available in the Philippines, capiz was used for windows in houses.

Saffy HandicraftsSaffy Handicrafts is the business export arm of SAFRUDI, the Social Action Foundation for Rural and Urban Development, a social services organization in the Philippines. SAFRUDI markets products for many small artisan workshops, and runs its own production unit specializing in capiz shell items. Read more.